"The first thing is design. Secondly, there’s good fuel consumption. Third, is its usability and the space inside. Fourth, is the advanced technology, like a passenger car," said Murakami. "These are remarkable features for this car."

In Japan, the NV350 is Nissan’s third van alongside its smaller siblings, the NV100 Clipper and the award-winning NV200.

"Without compromising the basic functions required for commercial use, we developed it to function for leisure and family usages as well, so it’s what we call a ‘triple use’ vehicle," says Yagi. With Nissan aiming to double light-commercial vehicle sales to around 2 million by 2016, the NV350 Caravan is ready to help carry the load.